Monday, February 8, 2016

A flowery finish and birthday goodies

I finally have a finish! My very first finish of 2016... What a s-l-o-w stitcher I've been so far this year. I'm not sure what my problem is, but it seems that the long afternoons peacefully stitching away in my favorite chair just aren't happening this winter... I want to stitch--I just don't seem to have the time for some reason. I've really been enjoying visiting your blogs, though, and admiring your finishes and new starts. 

So, can you guess what I've been working on for the past five weeks? 

Well, here are a few clues. Let's start with a wicker basket brimming with pink and white blooms all nestled on some crisp white lace...


Add some of my favorite blue hydrangeas in a pristine white pitcher...


 And a flower-strewn topiary...



Don't forget a pretty basket planted with miniature sunflowers...



And a charming tin watering can filled with pink posies...



I'll bet most of you have figured out what my first finish of 2016 is, haven't you? Yes, it's...

The Flower Shop!

"The Flower Shop" finish

"The Flower Shop" (Country Cottage Needleworks) like its companion piece, "The Bakery" (which I stitched last year), took so much longer to stitch than I thought it would. Of course, when you completely change some of the design and end up stitching that part twice, it doesn't help! The original design had an entirely different sign at the top. It was simply stitched with light green thread (you can see it by clicking here). I stitched it that way originally, and although it looked "okay," I really wanted it to match the sign that was used on "The Bakery" that I finished last year, which was done with black lettering and a white background. So out came the scissors and needle and I began pulling out each of those carefully stitched letters. I had to re-chart the sign to make thinner letters in order to accommodate the wide white background. It took a while, but I'm so pleased I took the time to redo it. Now I have two lovely coordinating pieces to be framed in black and hung by my kitchen door.

Two cute stitched shops--wish they would design more!

I made a few more changes to the design substituting a gray color for the shelving under the flower pots and a black bottom border instead of the suggested golden brown. I also used little yellow flowers rather than the charted blue in the basket on the top shelf to incorporate a bit more color--they remind me of miniature sunflowers. I am very pleased with the way they look together and can hardly wait to get them framed!

So, that's it folks--that is the only stitching I have to show you today. Well, of mine, that is!! I do have some delightful birthday gifts that arrived for my big day in mid-January that I want to show you... And yes, I know I was very spoiled. Such kind friends--thank you all so much...

From June, in England, came this darling little bird with a stitching basket filled with floss. June framed it and I now have it sitting near my stitching chair. She also included a 2016 diary, some buttons, and a chocolate recipes booklet. Thank you, my sweet friend!

Birthday gifts from June in England

From Lynda (no blog), also in England, came this pretty BBD chart called "Summer Iris." Thank you, dear Lynda--I look forward to stitching it as it has those lovely blues and purples that I'm so fond of!

Birthday gifts from Lynda in England


From Cindy, in Tennessee, came the most darling little PS church stitched over one. Cindy knows how much I love anything miniature and this will look lovely on my Christmas tree. She also included a great group of finishing fabrics. Thank you so much, my generous friend--I love them!

Birthday gifts from Cindy in Tennessee


From Nathalie (no blog), in France came a wonderful French magazine and a cute personalized stocking. Don't you love leafing through French stitching magazines? Such fun... Thank you, my friend!

Birthday gifts from Nathalie in France

From my long-time friend, Myra, in North Carolina, came a bag of Christmas trims from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. The little bag was filled with all sorts of red and green ric-rak, chenille, buttons, charms, and bells! What fun I'll have with my ornament finishing this year--thank you so much, my sweet friend!

Birthday gifts from Myra in North Carolina


From Melissa, in Vancouver, Canada, came a darling little kit that I had never seen before called "Spools of My Thread." It is a design to make a little bag to hold your threads and I plan on sewing it to house the spools of silk thread that I own. Thank you, my dear friend--I love it!

Birthday gifts from Melissa in Canada


From Robin (no blog), in Virginia, came this sweet little rabbit ornament--perfect for my spring decorating! Robin said this is a Blue Ribbon design. She also included some chenille, a monogrammed notepad, fabric, pins, and a thread picker (not pictured as I was using it to pick out the threads in my "Flower Shop" piece!). You are always so thoughtful and generous, Robin--thank you!

Birthday gifts from Robin in Virginia

From Lois, in Northern Ireland, came a darling snowman pillow to add to my collection. Don't you love his smile? She also included a wonderful assortment of ribbons and buttons, a cute new chart and a trio of tiny notebooks. Thank you my long-time friend--it is always so special to receive a package from you!

Birthday gifts from Lois in Northern Ireland


And, finally, from my big-hearted friend, Mary in Pennsylvania, came a package brimming with lovely ribbons, a snowman cup and tray set, a pretty With Thy Needle chart, some tasty Piroulines, and a gift card to The Strawberry Sampler which I promptly spent during their Snow Blizzard sale in late January! Thank you so very much, my sweet friend--your gifts made me smile.

Birthday gifts from Mary in Pennsylvania

Several of you sent cards and email messages on my birthday, too, and I can't tell you how much they meant to me. Having a birthday so close to Christmas is difficult as it often gets "lost in the shuffle." All the presents come at once and then all the celebration is over for another year. I've often wished I was born in a warm month when you could have a fun picnic or barbecue for your birthday party. But, my family always does their best to make my January birthday special for me and this year was no exception.

My two older sons made homemade pizzas for my birthday dinner, which were delicious. They used this recipe for New York style pizza dough and it is so tasty! One was plain with just chicken and cheese (for me--the fussy eater!) and the other two had mushrooms, peppers, and spinach for my more adventuresome eating men...

Tasty homemade pizza for my birthday--thanks guys!!

To top it off, my husband bought this exquisite chocolate-mousse birthday cake. Oh, my!! Talk about decadent! It was so rich we could only eat a small portion, so I took the rest in to the library the next day and had another celebration with my co-workers.

If I had to turn a year older, at least I got an amazing cake!

It was the year of "plants" for gifts from my sons... From the oldest and his girlfriend, came a tasty "fruit bouquet" made up of chocolate covered pineapple, melons, strawberries, and grapes. He also gave me a gift certificate to 123 Stitch ("but, mom, you don't need any more stitching stuff"--HA--he doesn't know us stitchers very well, does he?).

Fruit bouquet from oldest son and his girlfriend

From my middle son, came a Joann Fabrics gift card and a "lucky bamboo" plant. 2015 was such a difficult year for me and he hopes that this little plant brings better luck for 2016. It is growing nicely and so far, my year is going well, too! I was so very touched by the card that he gave me, too. In fact, it may be my favorite card ever... With a quote from "The Wizard of Oz" on the front: "There's no place like home," the inside opens to this sentiment: "Wherever I go, I always know that I have someone hoping I'm safe, and making sure that I always feel loved... Thanks to you, mom." Aww... for you moms out there, I know you understand how very special a mom feels when she receives a card like this. It is a keeper!!

Lucky bamboo from middle son--let's hope
 it truly is my lucky year!


And from my youngest son, came this beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas. Blue hydrangeas, yellow tulips, and sunflowers are my favorite flowers and it was so nice to have a touch of spring during my winter birthday.

My favorite flowers--blue hydrangeas from my youngest son.

So, that ends another birthday round-up... I have been blessed with such loving family and friends throughout my life and I'm thankful for each one of you! You blogging friends have become as dear to my heart as friends I see in real life. Thank you all for your friendship!

I've not been sleeping well lately as I'm worrying about my youngest son who is setting off for a ten-day adventure in Nicaragua and Costa Rica this week. Yes, he is the same son who just got back from Argentina in December!! He loves to travel, but I get so nervous about his safety. This year, there is that horrible Zika virus being transmitted by mosquitoes that is becoming epidemic down in so many of the Central and South America countries, including the two he will be visiting. I sure hope he remembers to use his insect repellent (and apply his sunscreen--and watch out for pickpockets--and so on, and so on!). I guess a mother never stops worrying about her children, no matter their age, does she?

Well, I've come to the end of another way-too-long post! I can just hear you whispering, "Whew--thank goodness!" to yourselves...  Thank you for sticking with me to the end. And for those of you who ask me questions, please know I'm happy to try to reply to you, but you must include your email address in order for me to do so. I get so many questions, but have no way of getting back to you unless you include an email address.   Hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day on Sunday and thank you ~ truly ~ for each of your wonderful comments! They mean so much to me. Bye for now...

HAPPY  VALENTINE'S  DAY!!

86 comments:

Mini said...

Your first finish for 2016 is lovely. How intelligent of you to make changes in the design to align it with the Bakery one.
You were spoiled with such lovely gifts on your birthday.
I understand your worry when your son travels. Specially if its to a l;and of different culture,language and climate.
Yes I have heard abt Zika virus and that scares me.

Preeti said...

Hi Carol, Your flower shop is very cute and goes so well with the bakery one :) I loved seeing all those gifts you received from your friends with whom you have cherished the friendship so nicely. Your sons have given you wonderful and thoughtful gifts and the card with the sentiments is very sweet :) Did he made that ? I can understand your worry about your son's travel to the affected area. Moms and kids never grow :)

Linda said...

Another gorgeous finish Carol. Love all the gifts you received from family and friends.

Linda

Brigitte said...

Your must be so so pleased with your first finish this year. And it was well worth changing all the things on it. It's such a perfect companion piece to the Bakery. So nice how you adjusted the little flowers, too - why not have all your favorite flowers in this Flower Shop :)

All these gifts from your friends are so wonderful, the stitched pieces and the goodies they sent with them.

And you have received some wonderful gifts from your family. Gift cards from cross stitch stores and fabric stores - what a treat. (And no, we don't "need" any more stuff, lol.) And getting a bunch of hydrangeas in January is just gorgeous.This chocolate cake looks so delicious and only from the look of it I can easily guess that you couldn't eat more than a small portion. And you were doing the same thing that I was doing before I got retired - you took it to work. I used to share the leftovers of my birthday cakes and other cakes I made with my colleagues, but since I am retired I have to be careful about the size of my cakes, lol.

Good luck to your son for his adventurous trip - no, we never stops worrying about our children, no matter how old they are. And happy Valentine's Day to you.

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
wonderful finish and your stitching is beautiful as always.
So beautiful gift from your friends.
Greetings, Manuela

Giovi's Creations said...

Dear Carol, What a lovely flower shop! Love it!

When was your birthday? I'm so happy you had many adorable presents and were surrounded by affection from friends and family. I'm sure you deserve it! :)

About your son trip, it's normal to be worried, especially with the health alert for Zikka. I hope everything goes well.

I've also published a post today! What a coincidence! XOXO

twinpeakprimitives said...

You made an adorable work - as always! Flower shop looks so very lovely!
Gifts, birthday cake, Bakery shop, all in this post are giving a very positive energy and feelings which are most needed in our current world! Thank you and happy birthday Carol! I wish, all your dreams come true and live most happily after from now on...

Marilyn said...

Both of your finishes are so pretty.
What a great idea to make them match.
You received some great B-Day gifts.
Glad you had a nice B-Day.
Mmmmm, those pizzas look delicious!
Marilyn

Shelly said...

Oh your first finish is so cute and it goes so well with the Bakery stitching! Wow, what wonderful b-day presents you received! I worry about my daughter just driving to Phoenix, about a 100 mile drive, not even close to where your son is going. It's us moms. I have to leave it to the man upstairs otherwise I'll be doing just what you are doing, Carol. Not sleeping!

Maggie said...

What a lovely post, full of lovely presents and your beautiful stitching!

Absolutely LOVE the card your son gave you, what a great son you have, bought a tear to my eye reading the sentiment.

Do we ever stop worrying about our 'kids', they will always be just that, kids, to us, no matter how old they are.

Annie said...

Beautiful stitching on your flower shop. You've got the start of a neighborhood shopping mall!

Lovely stitchy gifts and your family really did good with your birthday. I can just see you swooning over that cake! We had white and pink hydrangea bushes beside our house when I was growing up. We always called them snowball bushes. Blue ones are ideal for you, of course!

Your son seems pretty capable. I think you need a glass of wine to calm down! But I guess Mom's just can't do that (calm down I mean.. they can drink wine).

Better scarf up that cake. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I see more chocolate in your future!

Kate said...

Beautiful gifts, Carol, and so nice to have a look at them. Your flower shop piece is beautiful as is your bakery piece and I'm curious about how you're going to finish them ... I shall patiently await your reveal.

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - so good to read your new post! Your stitching is as beautiful as ever, and the Flower Shop looks wonderful along with the Bakery piece you did earlier. I'm so glad you had a good birthday - all your photos are beautiful - I love the flowers!
I suppose that worrying about your children is par for the course - you can never separate the two! Still, we'd never be without them, would we?!!
Hoping you have a lovely week, and a very Happy Valentine's Day, too!
Take care.
Much love,
Lynda.

Mii Stitch said...

Beautiful stitching & finishing! I like the fact you shared the little details on the designs, it's so cute.
You have been so spoilt by your friends, plenty of lovely gifts to keep you going :)
Wow, look at that gorgeous cake! Way to pretty to eat it... and the best for me is the fruit bouquet!!! How cool is that. It looks super duper and is healthy too, perfect :)

Vickie said...

Flower Shop turned out beautiful. Those two framed and hanging together will look fantastic.
Oh what super gifts! That cake! :D
I would be just as nervous if one of our son's was headed down there also.

The Queen Bee said...

What a beautiful finish. Your adaptations are spot on. Well worth the time.

What lovely birthday gifts. Your boys are so very thoughtful.

Hope your stitching time picks up soon.

Pam

Arlene G said...

Happy Birthday! I loved seeing all your gifts and your projects.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

I know exactly what you mean about having a birthday so close to Christmas,Carol.I keep my birthday cards up until the end of January being born three days in I receive cards in stages because of New Year interrupting the postal system.. I like to enjoy them fully,they are always so pretty. Younger grandson is my best ever birthday present,he was born on January 1st.
I love your Flower Shop finish,your changes are perfect. Gorgeous gifts from your friends and family and a beautiful card from middle son.
No one told me when I was expecting our elder son that even when the boys were adults I would still worry,a lot,at times about them,motherhood (and fatherhood)are a life long commitment:)

Tricia T said...

What a pretty piece, Carol! You do such a beautiful job with your charting changes, perhaps you need to design a piece yourself! I'll be it would be lovely!! Happy belated birthday to you. I'm so glad you were spoiled by your men. : ) {Hugs} about the worries... Sometimes it's hard to be the Mom, isn't it?? I'm always so thankful that I can give those cares to the Lord!! Have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Pondside said...

The Flower Shop is a lovely finish. The two pieces are perfect together. You are way ahead of me as I haven't finished a single thing so far. My Christmas Village (or is it Santa's Village) sits unopened in all its many-packaged glory. Ah well....next year.

Robin in Virginia said...

Carol, congratulations on your Flower Shop finish! I like the changes you made to it. I am glad you were spoiled fully for your birthday. What lovely gifts you received from your family and your friends!

Cindy's Stitching said...

the flower shop and bakery look great. they will be so pretty framed. the birthday Celebration looked so good. Beautiful stitching gifts. happy valentine's day Carol.

KimM said...

Congrats on your finish - and it looks like you had an AMAZING birthday!!! And that CAKE!!!!!!!!
xxx

Melissa said...

What wonderful birthday gifts from your stitching friends. I must say though, being a mom, I am most impressed by your sons' gifts. You have raised them well, Carol! And let's not neglect mentioning the amazing cake from your husband! A very well deserved birthday celebration.

ps Oh yes, lovely first finish of 2016!

Will a stitch said...

Hi Carol. It has been awhile but I think I have it figured out to comment again. Your flower shop stitch is perfect. Happy birthday a bit late--it looks like it was amazing. My compliments to the cooks...the pizza looks yummy and that cake, oh my! All of your gifts are so special. I do hope you have a great 2016.

Judy, Heartland stitcher

Justine said...

Lovely to see all your gorgeous birthday gifts - thanks for sharing! What fantastic opportunities your son has had, and how much confidence you've given him to be able to travel the world! So I can understand your worry but hopefully you are very proud of him too.
Your stitching is beautiful and the changes you made have made these the perfect pair!

Suzanne H said...

How beautiful your work is. My daughter gave me the Wizard of Oz card two years in a row because we liked it so much!!!!

butterfly said...


Love your flower shop so pretty and love the changes .
Such wonderful gifts for a beautiful lady .
Carol you will never stop worring about your children I still worry about my daughter and she is almost in her 50s ! .
Wonderful gifts from your boys and that cake looks so yummy has it all gone if not I am coming over .

Sheryl said...

Happy belated birthday wishes Carol. Gorgeous post, pretty stitching on the Flower Shop and thoughtful gifts from generous friends. Love the flowers and that cake, wow, and the pizzas!

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Wow, dear Carol, florist is beautiful!
I congratulate you on your birthday!
Have a great sons, you love you!

Beth said...

Happy birthday! Wonderfully thoughtful gifts.

Jenn M said...

As soon as I saw the checkered cloth I knew it was CCN's Florist! I worked as a florist at one time, and thought I would stitch that piece to go with the memories so to speak. However, when I stitched 'Bakery' last year I had the same experience as you and I just didn't have the heart to try another. Yours looks really good though, and I love how you matched the signs.
Wow! Wonderful gifts! How nice knowing there are people all over the world thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you well, just like you do your own kids. What you put out there, you get back; and you obviously put all sorts of wonderful out there!
Have a wonderful day:)
Jenn

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Such lovely gifts Carol, your sons are very thoughtful. I hope your son enjoys his trip and that you don't worry too much. Your two shops look great and I love the changes you made to them.

Anonymous said...

Oh Carol, what a wonderful birthday round-up! :) I hope your new-to-you year has gotten off to a great beginning - and that you'll be able to enjoy more stitching time. I love the flower shop you finished. Those colors are so lovely. Rowen was mentioning how much she loved the "Flat Rowen" project just now, when I told her I was reading your blog post. Where have the years gone?? Oh my goodness!

marly said...

Oh what lovely gifts! And that cake looks divine. I'm sorry, but I seriously doubt I would be generous enough to share it with co-workers. I would have kept it all for me!! Your changes were certainly worth the extra work and the two together will make a great display.

Marie said...

I love your first finish for 2016. I think your changes all improve this design. Yours is way better. They will look lovely framed and hung together.

Ellen said...

Gorgeous first finish for 2016! I love your changes! Enjoy the beautiful gifts from friends and family! I just love that yummy cake!

Happy Valentine!

Hugs,

Barb said...

The Flower Shop is lovely! It will look wonderful framed with the Bakery. A very happy Belated Birthday to you. That cake looks amazing!!!

Cindy said...

Happy birthday, Carol! It can't be too bad to get a year older if you get such wonderful gifts from family and friends:) Everything looks so sweet and thoughtful.

I can understand your worry about your son. Our oldest has done quite a bit of traveling and he is (we think) too easy going and trusting. Like staying in a AirB&B. I just have to not think about it or I'd go crazy. See, that's my advice - don't think about it! LOL!

Thanks for the lovely comment you left. Have a great week!

Veronica said...

Beautiful finish from one of my favourite designers. Your changes are absolutely perfect. Love it!

Happy Belated Birthday!

Frances said...

Wishing you a happy, belated birthday! Looks like you had a grand time!
The cake looks divine!!!!

Mavi. said...

Que bonitos tus bordados, que bien lucirán en tu cocina. Una cantidad de regalos llenos de cariño has recibido por tu cumple por parte de tus amigas y por parte de tu familia, es estupendo sentirse querida y mimada, ahora te toca disfrutar de todos ellos.
Esos hijos tuyos son todo amor.
Muchos besos.

Clare-Aimetu said...

Happy birthday - what a lovely array of gifts from your friends and family, beautiful. Congratulations on your first 2016, it's a beautiful design :-)

Michèle said...

Happy birthday ! I don't know the exact day...
But everything you show us is wonderfully beautiful !!! Lovely stitching !
And so many gorgious presents !
Happy Valentine now !

Sherry said...

Your finishes are beautiful and you certainly got a lot of wonderful birthday presents! The homemade pizza looks delicious!

priscilla said...

Happy Birthday Carol! Love your flower shop finish! That little watering can is too cute! Your birthday presents are wonderful and so fun that the boys made you homemade pizza! Hope you get more stitchy time ..selfishly :) because I love to see your projects!

Joy said...

Such awesome presents! Have a great birthday!

Syd said...

Wow! A beautiful finish and such nice birthday gifts. Happy Belated Birthday!

Karen said...

Wonderful birthday gifts from your family and stitchy friends. That cake looks delicious. I can't imagine a better birthday dinner than pizza and chocolate cake.

Pam in IL said...

Flower Shop looks great and I really like your changes. I'm sure they will be a nice display in your kitchen. You received some wonderful gifts for your birthday and your family sure treated you well! Having a December birthday, I can totally relate to wanting warm weather for birthday celebrations. I understand your worrying about your youngest traveling as well (my youngest is also a world traveler).

Jennifer said...

Belated birthday wishes to you! I do hope this year brings you lots of happiness and luck! Your flower shop stitching is very nice and it will look lovely with the bakery. Hope you can get some good sleep soon and I will keep your son in my thoughts for a safe trip!

Margaret said...

I think it's so true -- in fact, I think the older my kids have gotten, the more I find to worry about them. lol! I don't blame you for worrying about your son, but he will be fine. He sounds like the adventurer of the family! I think my daughter is our adventurer. :D Happy belated birthday! The birthday pizze looks yummy! And love all the presents too! Love your finish -- love both pieces. They both look so delicate and sweet!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day to you! What an amazing assortment of gifts you have received! How lovely of all your friends to send such nice gifts. LOVE that birthday cake! I really like the change you made to the stitching. They are both so coordinated now! It will be really pretty framed. I will keep your son in my prayers. It is always disconcerting when the young 'uns are out on their own!
I freaked out when my middle son moved to Colorado 11 years ago! Thanks again always for your inspiration to not only me, but everyone in the blog world! Your work is lovely.

Elizabeth Ann said...

Your new pieces are so pretty, I really liked how you made the signs the same. I think they would be cute finished with a bit of the new mini poms that are hot right now! Of course you might have them all finished since I am just reading this post. Hope your January is going great, I had a bit of ecol i infection floating around in the body and haven't done much....

Unknown said...

Hi Carol, I have been really busy this week so I am a bit behind commenting on blogs. A belated Happy Birthday to you. Your Country Cottage Needleworks design is beautiful, I like this one even more than The Bakery. It is surprising sometimes that something that looks as if it is going to be a quick stitch actually takes quite a long time, I always underestimate the time a project will take me. Your chocolate mousse cake looks gorgeous but I can imagine it was quite rich. As a mother of an almost 31 year old and a 28 year old sons I can honestly say you are correct, you never stop worrying about them, it is just the problems change. I hope your son has a safe trip and enjoys his adventure. xx


Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Such beautiful photos of your Flower Shop finish :) I think I'm nearly convinced I need to stitch them :)
I will keep your DS in my prayers. I'd be a worry wart too. That new virus us sort of being dismissed, but it shouldn't be....
You have received also very many gifts from your adoring friends and fans! How wonderful! You remain the darling of blogdom and I know without a shred of doubt you deserve the title :) happy belated Birthday to you, dear Carol!

Hilda said...

Oh I love your first finish of this year, Carol. And all the changes you made, helped it looking even more beautiful. Framing it in a black frame is the perfect idea - please take some photographs of the framed pieces to show them to us.

You have been wonderfully gifted, but you deserve it all. And I really understand, what you mean, when you are talking about a birthday so close to Christmas.
Sandra is celbrating hers in December, less than two weeks befor Christmas. She always says the same, like you did: She wants to have a birthday in Summer. But believe me, I am celebrating mine in June - and in most of the years the weather is too cold and wet to have a pcinic or a garden-party.

Have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend!

Hugs
Hilda

Angela said...

Love both your Bakery and Flower shop finishes, they will look lovely framed. You got some lovely gifts from your friends :)

Andrea said...

Carol ... a wonderful finish. A perfect duo to hang on your wall. Beautiful gifts from family and friends. Mmmm you can keep the pizza, I'll let you have that ... but oh that cake ... slice for me please! Have a great weekend.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Carol, you were well feted for your wonderful birthday. Thanks for showing us all the wonderful stitching gifts...I've made note of several to look for the patterns. Happy Happy Stitching!

Maggee said...

No matter the size of the project, you always do an excellent job of it. This piece is no exception. The two pieces look great together! You received lots of great and thoughtful birthday presents. Glad it was a special day for you! Hugs!

Lumiruusu said...

Happy Birthday Carol and enjoy for allthe sweet gifts and goodies you have get. Arent the fellow bloggers amazinly generous and loving persons ! The Flowershop looks very lovely !

Catherine said...

A belated birthday to you!! Your stitches are so sweet ~ I am longing for the flowers of spring!

Babs said...

nice stitches and nice gifts :) Congratulations on your birthday.

Love, Babs

Wanda said...

Hi Carol,
I love your Flower Shop! The changes you made are beautiful and really do the piece justice. It will be fun to see them framed. I am so sorry I didn't say 'Happy Birthday' to you. I hope you had a glorious day and hope that 2016 brings much health, happiness and stitching for you.
We've been away and I am trying to catch up on my blog reading. Happy Valentine's Day!
hugs,
Wanda

Barb said...

Happy Valentine's Day, Carol! Oh this was such a fun post to read - I read it a few days ago but just didn't have enough time to leave a Comment then. You obviously had a wonderful birthday - so many beautiful gifts from all around the world!! Thank,you so much for sharing the pictures of them with us - I loved seeing all of them. The pizza looks delicious and then there is The Cake! Talk about decadent! I can understand why you took some of it to work to share it - weren't your co-workers lucky?

Your stitching is wonderful - both pieces are gorgeous. I really like the changes you made. It makes it so personal, doesn't it? No wonder you think it it takes a long time to stitch - it's a lot of work to rechart and stitch those but well worth your efforts. They are beautiful!

xo - Barb R.

Marie said...

Happy belated birthday! I completely understand about the "too close to Christmas" birthday ~ I am just 4 days after Christmas. Growing up it bothered me but as an adult, especially after having kids, I learned to LOVE it because my boys were ALWAYS home for my birthday….That is until one got married and the other moved to CO.
Your boys are the best ~ beyond sweet. He is wishing that son of yours would stay put in the US. Ugh, I too would be worried about the Zeka virus.
Wow, what a wonderful group of stitching friends. The gifts that you received are awesome and shall keep you busy for a long time.

I must tell you that the changes that you made to the Flower Shop are perfect, I actually like it better than the original design. You have a great eye and an amazing talent. Congrats on another beautiful finish and I look forward to seeing both designs framed and hanging.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lillie said...

What a happy post to read about the wonderful stitching gifts you received and gorgeous plus yummilicious pressie from your guys. Truly a very special day for you.

Flower shop looked wonderful and a beautiful finished.
Mummy will always worries for their babies, they will always be our babies in our heart no matter how old they gets, yet we must let them fly and soar. Wishing him a good adventure and safe trip.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

What a fun filled post. I don't remember if I said it before, happy bleated birthday if I didn't! I totally get what you mean about your birthday getting swept up in the holidays. I feel ya, girlfriend! I'm glad your special day was good. Have a good week!

Julie said...

A post full of delightful things, what a wonderful birthday you had. The card from your son brought a tear to my eye, what a lovely young man he must be.
As parents we never stop worrying, I hope he has a wonderful trip.
Love the changes to your flower shop, I do prefer your sign to the charted one, looking forward to seeing them framed together.
Beautiful flowers, the hydrangeas are magnificent, but that cake!!! WOW....
love and {hugs} x

Penny said...

Your posts are always such treats that I save them and look forward to reading them. What a pretty finish! So nice to see some flowers even if they are of the stitched variety. :) You received some amazing gifts from both stitching friends and family. I don't know if I would have been able to share that cake. I think it is easier to worry the older our children get because they aren't so much under our control anymore. I'm sure your son will be fine - sounds like quite a trip. And it is impossible for your posts to be too long!

Irene said...

oh Carol, che torta incredibile per il tuo compleanno e quanti bei regali! Meravigliosi i ricami

valerie said...

Carol, What a wonderful post! I just love your little flower shop and the modifications you made. I really like that it matches the bakery that you stitched before. So pretty! Wow, so many wonderful gifts from all over the world. They are all lovely. I especially love June's gift. It's so cute! I'm so glad that you had a wonderful birthday and had a lovely time with your boys. Where in Nicaragua and Costa Rica is your son traveling to?!

Lynn said...

Carol, Looks like you had a lovely birthday with lots of gifts, I am sure you loved it!

I love your two recent finishes, you have inspired me to stitch those, I have them in my stash, they have waited far too long to be stitched, I just may dig them out and get them started soon!

Irmeli said...

Hello Carol, at first I thank you for your visiting and comment on my blog.

Happy belated birthday to you! You have received wonderful gifts from friends and from family, enjoy all of them.

Both Flower Shop and Bakery are wonderful, such a beautiful finishes and I love the changes you did.
Have a nice weekend!

Meari said...

Happy Belated Birthday! You received some amazing gifts!!

Loved how you changed the flower shop sign to coordinate with the bakery one. They both look adorable. How are you going to finish them?

Sally said...

Your first finish of 2016 is beautiful Carol.

Happy Belated Birthday! You received lots of lovely gifts.

I hope your son has a wonderful trip.

passionfruitprincess said...

Happy belated birthday, Carol!
Beautiful cake and lovely presents! I wish you have a wonderful year. Last year was not a good one for me too. Let's all hope this will a be a better one!

Have a great weekend!

Ana Paula.

Karoline said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday, you got some great gifts.

Congratulations on finishing 'Flower Shop', it's gorgeous

Karoline said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michelle said...

Happy belated Birthday Carol - what a lovely post I so enjoyed reading it thank you xx

diamondc said...

Happy Belated Birthday, love the changes you made, I like the way the sign pops out the colors are wonderful.
Wonderful Birthday gifts.
I do hope your Son has a safe and great trip, what Mother would not worry, all Mom's are the same, they have the worry bug in them.

Blessings
Catherine

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

A lovely first finish for 2016. You received a beautiful selection of birthday gifts.

laceystitcher said...

Love all your cute snowmen; I look forward to seeing more! Thanks for sharing the pics of your trip; so beautiful - cemetery was so interesting. I can see why you would want to have more time there. The yellow roses are so pretty - can almost smell them. Can you tell me what pattern is your blog header? I love it. My email is laceystitcher@gmail.com. Thanks, and I look forward to your next post. Happy stitching............

Pam L in Kansas

Christina said...

Your finish is so cute. Wow, so many beautiful gifts for your birthday. You have the most thoughtful sons. I'm not a parent, but I can understand your worries about your son traveling to foreign countries. We seem to hear so many horror stories anymore about traveling abroad. Your cake looked delicious. I subscribed to receive your posts via email. I don't know why this Bloglovin' misses so many posts.

Annette said...

I hope you recieved my belated happy birthday mail?
I totally had the wrong date in my mind...
Hope you had a wonderfull day, and got very spoiled... but I think you did.. such a lovely woman ♥

The Flowershop is looking so lovely!!
Can't wait to see what you will be making of those 2 lovely designs. The fabric is so beautifull under the pastel stitches

WAUW!! so many beautifull birthday gifts.. really awesome!!
Mmm they did a great job on the Pizza's.. looking really jummy
Hihihi.. but it's a awesome cake

I can understand you worry so much.. I'm still young, my kids too.. but every ones tells me that the worrying never will go away!!

Have a lovely week!